Instructor Training

In October 2011, DOE's Solar Instructor Training Network (under the guidance of IREC) released a new interactive Solar Career Map! The Solar Foundation actively worked with IREC and Dr. Sarah White behind the scenes to populate the 18 different datapoints. It was a labor of love. Tell us what you think of it!

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In 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Solar Instructor Training Network (SITN) to systematically address the need for high-quality solar installation training around the country. The program is designed to support and promote workforce training that results in consistent, high-quality solar installations of every type and size.

The SITN is composed of nine Regional Training Providers (RTPs) to fulfill a critical need for high-quality, local, and accessible training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection through train-the-trainer programs. In support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative, the nine RTPs, from Maine to California, are well-established solar training institutions whose expert trainers are teaching instructors in first-class training facilities across the U.S. The primary goal of the SunShot initiative is to make solar energy technologies cost-competitive with other forms of energy by reducing the cost of solar energy systems by about 75% before 2020. The goal of the SITN is to support this effort by helping to build the highest quality and most productive solar workforce in the world.

How is the SITN accomplishing its goals? Here are a few of the guiding principles:

Provide training where it is needed.
Expand training to include code and building officials, inspectors, and firefighters.
Train to industry standards, and update training as changes in technology and applications happen.
Ensure training programs do not out-grow industry demand-- seek responsible growth.
Integrate solar training standards and curriculum into existing educational and workforce infrastructures.
Build on the strengths of each RTP: share strongest qualities and innovative practices across the Network.
Establish strong connctions with workforce investment boards (WIBs) and agencies.

A list of frequently-asked questions about the training network can be found here.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is the National Administrator for the SITN. IREC works closely with the RTPs, helping build the well-trained, highly-qualified solar energy workforce of sufficient size and diversity that will meet the employment needs of a rapidly growing domestic solar industry.

The Solar Foundation (TSF) supports the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the DOE as they establish this network. As sub-contractor for IREC, TSF provides support for advanced data colelction and as well as expert consultation. Nine regional resource and training providers support the professional development of trainers and instructors of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies across the country.

The goals of Solar Instructor Training are to accelerate market adoption of solar technologies by ensuring that high-quality installations are standard and to create sustainable jobs within the solar installation industry. Below is a map showing the nine regional training networks.